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Canada rebounds to finish ninth at London Sevens rugby

The Canadian Press
Published Sunday, May 11, 2014 3:00PM EDT
Last Updated Sunday, May 11, 2014 4:34PM EDT

LONDON -- Canada finished the London Sevens rugby tournament on a winning note Sunday, defeating Argentina 31-19 in the consolation Bowl final to place ninth.

New Zealand beat Australia 52-33 in the final for its third straight tournament win and fifth on the nine-event HSBC World Series. England downed Fiji 26-19 to take third.

The Canadian men opened the day with a 21-19 win over Japan before dispatching Wales 17-14.

The three wins helped make up for a disappointing day Saturday when Canada went 1-1-1 and failed to qualify for the elite Cup quarter-finals as it had done at the five previous stops.

Victoria's Phil Mack, in his 50th sevens tournament appearance for Canada, scored three tries in a 21-point performance against Argentina. Connor Braid and Sean Duke also scored tries for Canada.

The London stop wrapped up Canada's finest year on the circuit. The Canadians finished sixth overall, compared to 12th last year, and posted a best-ever runner-up finish at the previous stop in Glasgow.

The Canadian men will now set their sights on the Commonwealth Games this summer in Glasgow.

"We were a bit disappointed to not have advanced to the Cup round but to come back and play three close games and win the Bowl is a big result for us," said Canadian coach Geraint John. "We only lost one game against Samoa all weekend.

"The result this weekend and throughout the season is a big compliment to the players and staff and their hard work. Sixth in the world is a spectacular result for us and we're looking forward to next season and the Commonwealth Games this summer in Scotland."